Kean talks at delicate stage - Killie

03 June 2010 08:48
Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston is confident of luring Steve Kean, despite Blackburn telling him their first-team coach is going nowhere.[LNB] Johnston has confirmed former Celtic youth player Kean is his number one target to succeed Jimmy Calderwood as manager at Rugby Park.[LNB]However, landing Kean might require compensation, which reports claim could be as much as £200,000.[LNB]Debt-laden Killie are not prepared to pay that kind of figure, according to Johnston.[LNB]"We're not enthusiastic about that idea and we'd hope to get our man without paying compensation," said the Killie supremo, who will attempt to negotiate a deal that benefits all parties.[LNB]"We're offering Stevie the opportunity to develop his coaching skills in a top national league.[LNB]"Maybe Blackburn might want him back one day in a bigger role. The matter isn't clear-cut and negotiations are at a delicate stage.[LNB]"The Rovers chairman's told me Stevie's not leaving them. My understanding is both parties are going to have further talks."[LNB]Johnston added in the Daily Record: "We believe we have terms and conditions that would be agreeable to Stevie but they may see compensation as a point of principle."[LNB]Celtic coach Willie McStay has also been linked with Killie and Johnston does not believe publicly courting Kean will put others off wanting the job.[LNB]Blackburn chairman John Williams dismissed any prospect of Kean leaving Ewood Park, saying in the Scottish Sun: "I'm not denying there has been contact from Kilmarnock. But Steve doesn't want to go anywhere and he's very happy here.[LNB]"People tell me there have been stories about him being unveiled by Kilmarnock this week. But that's wide of the mark. He's staying here.[LNB]"He's our first-team coach, a key member and we'd like him to stay.[LNB]"More importantly, he wants to stay."

Source: Team_Talk